Frequently Asked Questions

What should my child wear?There is no special attire required, beyond what is appropriate clothing for such a special occasion.

Many girls do wear white dresses, and veils, but no gloves;

Boys generally have worn a sport coat and tie or a suit.

It’s most important that the children be comfortable, so if they will be in new shoes, please break them in beforehand. Children should not carry anything – all items they bring with them should be left with parents so that they are not lost.

Can I take pictures?You may take photos before and after Mass, but we ask you refrain from photography during Mass. We will have a professional photographer there who will capture your child receiving their First Communion. At the end of Mass, the photographer will also take a group photo on the altar. See the next question for details on how to purchase copies.

How do I receive a copy of the pictures?Each family will have the opportunity to purchase a professional photograph package for a cost of $15:

Two copies of a photo of your child receiving the Body of Christ from Fr. Tom

One copy of a group photo of all First Communicants taken on the altar after Mass with Fr. Tom

Please make checks for $15 made out to ‘Ruben’s Photography.' Bring the checks to rehearsal. Photographs will be available in the Parish Office approximately two weeks after First Communion. We will notify you when the photographs are here. You will be given instructions at that time as to how to pick up your photos.

When can I arrive for my scheduled Mass?Arrive no earlier than 30 minutes prior to Mass start time, and no later than 10 minutes prior to Mass start time. Upon arrival, check in at the table in the Commons to receive your Banner, Certificate and Project. Certificates are for you to keep and take home.

Do you have assigned seating in the Church?Seating is not assigned - you may sit in any available pew – one family per pew. Seating is first come/first seated. Please know that all children will receive the Eucharist from Fr. Tom. The pew arrangement of the church provides good seating for all. (If you have a larger family and need more than one pew, please have the additional family members sit in one of the lesser populated sections.)

If there are more families than will fit in the pews on the center aisle, please choose one of the Reserved pews on the right(choir) side. They will be marked ‘Reserved’. Your banner will be used to mark your pew.

First Communicants should sit at the end of the pew on the center aisle.

Why do we make a banner?This banner is used to reserve your pew. When you select your pew, you will stick it on the pew in front of you (you should see it when you are sitting down). The tape will be provided on the pews ahead of time.

How can I prepare my child for First Communion?Please practice with your children at home about the proper way to receive the Eucharist. Prior to receiving the Eucharist from a bread or cup minister, the communicant should make a slight bow. This is to show reverence to the Eucharist.

How is my child supposed to receive the host?

In the hand: the Communicant should approach the Eucharistic Minister with his/her hands held high and palms up. One hand should be on top of the other. The minister will hold up the host and say “The Body of Christ” to which he/she will respond ‘Amen’. The minister will then place the host in the open hand. He/she should pick up the host with the bottom hand and put it into his/her mouth immediately.

​

On the tongue: the Communicant should approach the minister with his/her hands folded as in prayer. The minister will hold up the host and say, “The Body of Christ” to which he/she will respond ‘Amen’. The children should be instructed to open their mouth wide, and the minister will place the host on their tongue.

Is my child expected to receive the cup?The Chalice will be offered to all who receive Communion. This is a family decision to participate in this part of the Eucharistic ritual. If you choose not to participate, it should be explained to your child that all of the grace of the Eucharist is still received through the host alone.

To receive from the chalice: The Communicant should approach the cup with the same reverence as the host. The minister will hold up the chalice and say, “The Blood of Christ,” to which he/she will respond ‘Amen’. He/she should take the chalice in their own hands (the ministers will be extra careful to help the child guide it to his/her mouth), and take a small sip from the chalice. The cup is then carefully returned to the minister.